Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville is planning its annual Women’s Day of Renewal for Saturday, March 13. The theme for this tenth anniversary year will be “Encouraged in Heart – United in Love,” based on Col. 2:2-3: “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Mary Hilgendorf, who currently serves as professor of education and ambassador for the Women’s Leadership Institute at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Concordia University at Seward, Nebraska, and received her Ph.D. in educational foundations from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dr. Hilgendorf gives presentations and leads Bible studies for women’s groups throughout the country to encourage and equip women for Christian leadership. Recently, she was Bible study leader at the national LWML convention held in Portland, Ore. Her presentations are lively, humorous, entertaining, and thought-provoking with a sound biblical message and foundation.

Hilgendorf grew up in Chester, Ill., and she still thinks of Southern Illinois as home.

Today’s world offers amazing opportunities and challenges for women. How will women use their personal gifts to influence others for Christ and share their talents in God-pleasing ways to support others, especially women? Dr. Hilgendorf’s message will share biblical responses to these questions and will challenge her audience to find avenues to use their special gifts in church, home, and community.

There will be an opportunity for women attending the Women’s Day of Renewal to personalize their experience by choosing two workshops from a variety of topics, including prayer, joy, mother-daughter relationships, mentoring, the gospel and country music, hand-on missions, attitude adjustment, and flower arranging.

The cost for the day is $35. The fee includes a continental breakfast, catered lunch, two workshops, and the keynote.

This year a Friday night event was added to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Day of Renewal. The Women’s Day of Renewal 10th anniversary tea party will be held on March 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Through very generous donations, this pre-Women’s Day of Renewal evening celebration is being offered for the minimal cost of $5 per person.

Phyllis Wallace, nationally syndicated radio host of “Woman to Woman,” will present, “You Are a Designer Original!” You are the only “You” God will ever make. Come to the Tea Party, discover your uniqueness, and take away deepened friendships, party favors, and a personal Design Moment with your Designer.

For more information and to register for the Women’s Day of Renewal and/or the 10th anniversary tea party, contact Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, at 618-344-3151, or visit the Web site at www.goodshepherdcollinsville.org .

Plan to attend this exciting day of fun and renewal. It is a great opportunity for women of all ages to fellowship together, to be encouraged in hear and united in love!